ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher has acknowledged the life and contribution of Bryce Courtenay as an outstanding Australian and Canberran, upon hearing of his death today at aged 79.

“Bryce Courtenay was a gentle but great man, who was not only an exceptional novelist and Australian, but also a great friend and supporter of Canberra,” the Chief Minister said.

“A significant contributor to our community, Mr Courtenay was a keynote speaker at the ACTs first Older Persons Assembly, was an ACT Australia Day Ambassador 2012, as well as taking an active role in promoting our city for its upcoming centenary year.

“Mr Courtenay will be fondly remembered for his extraordinary contribution to Australia’s and indeed the world’s literary landscape. In a career spanning over 30 years, Mr Courtenay received many awards both in Australia and overseas.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, family and friends at this difficult time,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Shane Rattenbury – do please get your Green back for a moment and put out a condolence and thank Courtenay for his environmental consideration. He promised on ABC to be buried in a cardboard box with a eucalyptus tree planted over him. Wonderful man. He was still imparting wisdom to fellow writers in a masterclass only a few weeks before he died.

I heard Bryce talking on the radio just before the masterclass thisng. I’ve never read one of his books but as I listened to him talk I was floored by the realism and acceptance he had for the end of his life. He wasn’t scared of what was going to happen and that made me just stop and think. I can’t say it was some life changing moment but I did feel a great sense of admiration.